How to Get Your Video Production Right the FIRST Time

I'll cut to the chase. To make your video look right, you have to wear makeup. Sorry guys, be macho if you want, but when you have a five o'clock shadow after you just shaved, don't say I didn't warn you. The harsh lights used in studios penetrate several layers of skin that would appear a lot healthier if you had just put on some powder. It gets worse? baldness seems to be highlighted by cameras for some reason, get over it and put on some makeup. Don't forget your nose and forehead, and always reapply during a break; you'll thank me later.

While we're on the vanity of things; clothes. Don't wear gaudy prints, black, red or white. When you review your video, you want to see yourself rather than your outfit.

OK, now that that is out of the way, onto cameras. You'll want preferably three cameras to ensure you have captured your speech and your audience from all angles. In order for your video to be of the best possible quality you'll want to use Beta Cam, mini DV, or at the absolute worst, SVHS or HI8. Also, to have your video look great you should use professional operators and a director if they are using multi-cameras and a control room.

Lighting is the most important element when planning a video production. I have videos that were shot on poor quality cameras, but look great thanks to the right lighting.

If the organization is doing the editing, be right there in the suite as they do it. Ultimately, no matter what you have bartered, this is your finished copy and you should have a say in what is cut and what is not.

Lastly, scatter microphones throughout the audience. This will allow you to hear real reactions without the filters of lapel microphones.

Tom Antion provides entertaining speeches and educational seminars. He is the ultimate entrepreneur, having owned many businesses BEFORE graduating college. Tom is the author of the best selling presentation skills book "Wake 'Em Up Business Presentations" and "Click: The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing." It is important to Tom that his knowledge be not only absorbed, but enjoyed. This is why he delivers his speeches laced with great humor and hysterical jokes. Tom has addressed more than 87 different industries and is thoroughly committed to his client's needs.

www.antion.com

Whatd We Miss?

Did we just overlook the amount of love that God has for us?

His word, shown in the written form we call the Bible, tells us things that He did to show us that He loves us. Did we realize it or did we overlook it and walk away?

In Hebrews 11:1 we are told that our faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Hope moves into faith
Think about it. No one gets a recipe made without knowing what the ingredients are and what to do with them even when they're sitting on the counter!

The something that's wanted could be just as simple as having pasta...

You put water in a pan. You put it on a heated burner on a stovetop. Then you wait for the water to boil.

After the water comes to a hard boil you pour in the noodles and wait for the pasta to be cooked. Finally, you put sauce on the pasta and eat it!

Normally, it isn't until that time that the attitude changes. You had a want. A hope. But that turned into the knowledge that want you wanted is happening shortly.

The attitude becomes excited and expectant of the things we had faith for coming to pass.

Just like the pasta wait, we learn in Hebrews 11:1 that what we want is already there. It just takes time for us to get it!

Why?

Because we need to change our thinking. (That's why God said to renew our minds with His word in Romans 12:2.)

What God says is totally, pure truth. We just need to really know it!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

These things that are hoped for are real but they aren't seen yet with the physical eyes! Don't forget there are the physical and the spiritual realms. Just because you can't see it in the physical realm doesn't mean it's not real in the spiritual realm!

Back to the pasta!
Our physical eyes saw the pasta. It was cooked for our physical bodies. But we can learn a thing or two here...

We want stuff in the physical realm! First off we have to really know that it's real in the spiritual realm.

We want good stuff in the physical realm!

It's very unfortunate that so many people have let go of their hopes and believed that they have to wait until they go to heaven to get the blessings of God personally.

The Wait
As the recipe for pasta takes time, so do our attitude changes...

First of all, we have to really know that what we've wanted is real in the spiritual realm. (the noodles are in the boiling water!) God gave us many gifts for the physical realm!

The very word 'saved' in the Greek means "delivered, protected, preserved, healed, and made whole in Romans 10:9, 10!

While renewing your mind in God's word, take notice that these verses are how we have eternal life with Jesus!

I know that it can be difficult to give up some religious teachings -but we have to if they disagree with God! Don't keep anything if it goes against God!

The noodles in pan are cooking...

It started with just wanting something to happen... After time is spent renewing your mind your attitude changes. You will find that you are sure that what you've waited for is there and real. You are excited and expectant. You're more and more fully persuaded...

It is at this point that you can reach and take hold of the blessings that God has made available to you!

Feel free to distribute this article if it is kept as is, including the Resource Box at the bottom. Online notification is not required but I would appreciate it. Please contact the author prior to use in printed media.

Michelle Jacobson
http://SeedMinistries.com

Michelle Jacobson is the author and webmaster at SeedMinistries.com where you can get BibleLearningPlus+ word search puzzle ebooks- A fun and easy way to really learn the word of God!

Get your free taste of BibleLearningPlus eBooks - Just send a blank email to: seedministries@getresponse.com and I'll send you the link to get your ebook right way!

Do Your Customers Buy On Price Alone?

Here are four simple things you can do to take price out of the equation!

It's frustrating when people appear to be focused on price alone. All they talk about is the price. "Your price is too high" or "I can buy cheaper elsewhere" are heard all too often. It's annoying when they ring or walk in and all they ask is "How much is it?"

There is a better way, and it's easy, too.

You see; the key ingredient is that price is only important when there's nothing else to talk about.

Typically, your advert or display will promote your service or features of your product. Your customer then sees your competitors offering what appears to be the same product or service. Because there's no differential, they can only shop on price.

So the fundamental key here is to promote your differences. Provide more information in terms of the reasons why what you offer is different or unique.

Tell them what to ask you about when they call so that their first questions relate to something other than price.

Here are four easy ways to promote your uniqueness:

1. Use testimonials. People are basically untrusting and sceptical. By showing them pictures and / or stories from satisfied clients, you gain trust. Make sure you use real names and people. Say Fiona Davis of Algester, Queensland - not just Mrs FD.

2. Have a performance guarantee. A wedding photographer charges many times the average for taking photos at weddings. Yet he's booked well in advance.

Why? Well, it boils down to his service guarantee. Expressed simply, he tells his customers that if their wedding photos don't come out perfectly, he will personally pay for them to have an identical wedding again. Yes, he will hire the suits, stage the reception, pay for the flowers, the cars, the accommodation for guests ? everything. Outrageous, yes, but that's why he's successful. People trust him (more on trust later) and feel confident that he can and will do the job. (Wouldn't you?) He doesn't compete in the price market. He has his own niche with people who can afford him and he does very nicely, too! (And by the way, he carries Insurance in case he has to deliver ? which I'm told he never has had to)

3. Give a Free Report to your buyer to help them gain more knowledge about your product or service. A Capalaba plumber provides a document called "Seven Essential Things You Must Know Before Replacing Your Hot water Heater" Does it get him business? You bet.

4. Make them a unique offer. Make it attractive. Add a bonus or a freebie. Yes, do it. It's a part of your cost of client acquisition. Consider the lifetime value of the customer. Your goal is to get them back again. Sacrifice a little up-front profit for long-term gain.

When you meet with your potential new client, ask them questions to identify their wants, cares and concerns and them match the benefits of your product / service to those needs.

Take a tip here: focus on the relevant benefits, not all the benefits. Sometimes it's just one thing about you, your product or service that makes the difference. Don't be guilty of overselling. Once they've said "Yes" the process moves into fulfilment.

Are you competing on price alone? And if so, why? It is an interesting fact that if you increase your price by just 10%, you can afford to drop 30% of your customers and still make the same GP. Don't believe me? Crunch the numbers; I guarantee you'll be surprised.

? James Yuille, Brisbane, Australia, 2004.

About the author:

James Yuille is a sales and marketing consultant and trainer with over 32 years experience. He is based in Brisbane, Australia. His free weekly sales and marketing newsletter provides topical information for business owners and salespeople. Find out more at http://www.jamesyuille.com

PR Is Just Smart Business

The name of the game is doing our part to achieve manage- ment's objectives. And public relations best practice ? properly applied ? does just that.

How? The driving force is public relations' fundamental premise which promises to harness your most important external audiences in a way that actually helps reach those very same business objectives.

Just look at that premise: "People act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving- to-desired-action those people whose behaviors affect the organization, the public relations mission is accomplished."

It strongly suggests that without the understanding of who and what your organization is all about, the behaviors of those important external audiences may hinder your efforts and, left unattended, tie your organization in knots.

This sentence sums up the bottom line. When public relations alters key audience perceptions, then reaches, persuades and moves them to an action you desire, it clearly helps achieve management's objectives.

Do you enjoy that kind of support? You can if you employ a program along these lines.

Decide at the start which outside audiences display behaviors that most impact your organization, and list them. We'll concentrate here on that #1 external audience you believe has the greatest effect on your operations. Of course, other audiences may need your attention as well.

The obvious first step is to find out how members of that "public," as we call them, actually perceive your organization. The best and quickest way to do this is to interact with those people and ask questions that probe their perceptions. Listen carefully for negative observations and remain alert to factual errors, inaccuracies, misperceptions and even rumors.

These responses enable you to create a public relations goal aimed directly at correcting the damaging perceptions, especially misconceptions and inaccuracies.

Now, you get to select one of three available opinion strategies that show you how you will reach your goal: create opinion where there may be none; change existing opinion, or reinforce it. Your public relations goal will lead you to the proper strategy selection.

The meat of the program is usually the message you will send to members of your target audience. After all, that message will be charged with the task of altering people's perceptions, and that means it must be persuasive and compelling. It must also be as clear as possible, and contain the facts and figures needed to repair the perception damage. In short, your message must be believable. You might also run it by a few members of your target audience to be sure it has the desired effect on the perception you are striving to alter.

Moving your message to many members of your #1 external audience requires aggressive and carefully targeted communications tactics. Public relations is fortunate to have dozens of such tactics from which to choose. For example, radio and newspaper interviews, letters-to-the-editor, face-to- face meetings and speeches. Or you might select tactics such as facility tours, brochures, community meetings, special events and promotional activity.

In due course, after your communications tactics have spread your message far and wide, you will want to know if you are making any progress. Experience shows that remonitoring your target audience is a must.

You will want to ask the same questions of audience members you used during your data gathering exercise at the start of the program.

Your objective, however, will be different. Now, you will be looking for signs that the offending perception has begun to be altered in the direction you desire. Should more work be necessary, a possible change in the mix and frequency of your communications tactics can be made. And, of course, you would want to review your message for clarity, impact and direction, especially with regard to your supporting facts and figures.

Because we know that predictable behaviors tend to follow changes in perception, your carefully planned public relations effort is well-positioned to create key audience support for management initiatives.

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net.

Robert A. Kelly ? 2003

About The Author

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks about the fundamental premise of public relations. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net. Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com

Hurting from the Outside - In: The Rise of Self-harming

Ask any teacher or adolescent counselor what the most disturbing trend they are seeing in teens today is, and they are likely to tell you it's the growing number of "cutters".

By cutters, they mean people who hurt themselves or "self-injure" a term that is more encompassing of the many types of behaviors that are actually involved. Whatever the form of self-injury, cutting, burning, biting or any of many other similar behaviors, teens hurting themselves in an attempt to deal with emotional pain is on the rise.

Today it is thought that 1% of youth in America are engaging in self-harming behavior. And, while both males and females are self-harming, girls are four times more likely to self-harm than boys. This behavior, which has been around forever, but was noted only rarely in the past, is running through peer-groups like a infectious disease; striking fear into the hearts of many parents. Parents often do not know what to make the behavior in their children

What causes a person to engage in self-harm is as varied as the number of people hurting themselves. One cutter that may express the sentiments of many put it this way," I cannot adequately describe in words my emotional state prior to a cutting. The feelings are overwhelming--usually severe feelings of rejection, self-hatred or anger. Cutting presents a way to make the pain show (and be felt) on the *outside* where I can deal with it." Frequently, as this person points out, self-harm is a coping strategy for dealing with emotional pain that has become intolerable.

Self-harm is not necessarily an attempt at suicide. Though one study found that half of students who engage in the behavior express thoughts of suicide, many professionals see the behavior as a maladaptive coping skill used to keep the person alive. Some would say that the longer the person engages in self-harming acts the less likely that they are attempts at suicide. Self-injury is nonetheless a dangerous behavior and one that can lead to unintentional death.

Identifying the person who is harming them self, may not always be easy. Frequently, the person cuts on areas that cannot be easily seen by others. They may wear long sleeve shirts and pants to cover up the scars. Some characteristics of people who are at risk for cutting include:

Low self-esteem extreme sensitivity to rejection high levels of anger suppress emotions impulsive depressed suffer chronic anxiety have been abused

Many people who engage in self-harming do get better. There are a handful of inpatient programs around the country and an increasing number of therapists and programs treating self-harm on an outpatient basis. If your child is hurting her or himself, seek help.

? 2005, David Westbrook

David Westbrook is a freelance writer and the host of http://www.troubledteenresources.net/ a resource guide for parents.

Buying A Cell Phone ? Making Smart Choices

Whether you're buying your first cell phone, upgrading to a newer one or contemplating a new cell phone plan, it's a good idea to thoroughly research your purchase. There are a multitude of companies, cell phone plans and rates available. You can pick from family plans, prepaid time cards, and plans tailored to your specific needs. The list, like the beat, goes on. The purpose of this article is to help guide you through the large amount of choices. This article includes some suggestions to help you decide which cell phone and cell phone plan is right for you.

One of the things to consider when looking for a new cell phone is what cell phone accessories you need and want. It's also wise to acquaint yourself with some websites that rate and review cell phones and cell phone accessories. Cell phone companies such as Nokia, Motorola and LG provide easy to use quiz's to help determine what cell phone is right for your busy lifestyle. Because you are busy, I have done a little homework for you and have come up with some ideas to help you make the right choice when buying a new cell phone.

There are a few factors to consider when buying or upgrading your phone. Part of what you want to look for in a cell phone is what rates are available if you are buying more than one phone. Many cell phone companies are currently offering "family plans" which make owning more than one phone very attractive.

The following are some guidelines to consider when researching a cell phone and cell phone plans purchase:

1. Economy

Advances in technology have revolutionized the communications industry. This technology has introduced the world to digital cameras and has also revolutionized the world of cell phones. This technology has enabled a cell phone to act as a camera and in some cases to fit in the palm of your hand. This is why the sky is the limit in the cases of some cell phone prices. You can pay as much as you like for all the internal options that a cell phone is equipped with. To further drive up the cost of your cell phone purchase, there are numerous cell phone accessories that are essential to the safe operation of the unit and some which are simply frills.

If funds are limited but you still need a reasonably good phone and corresponding cell phone plan, there are companies that provide cell phones free of charge with the purchase of a phone plan. These plans were previously called contracts and most of them were fairly long term (at least 3 years). This is no longer the case. Many companies like Verizon, T-Mobile and Nextel will provide a phone for free and won't insist on a lengthy commitment.

Some Options To Consider:

Prepaid Cell Phones ? Are they right for you?
If you are considering a prepaid cell phone, it is a good idea to ask yourself how often will you be using the phone. A prepaid cell phone can be more expensive than a regular monthly rate and contain hidden charges and restrictions. If you need a cell phone simply for occasional use, a prepaid cell phone is probably a good choice.

Family Plans ? You Control who pays the bill.
Many companies are offering "Family Plans". This is making owning a cell phone even more economical. These cell phone plans allow the owner to provide a family member or in the case of small business, an employee, a cell phone. The principal owner of the plan pays for the air-time (at a discounted rate) and long distance. Using a family plan for a small business is a great way to keep track of cell phone expenditures and keeping the telephone budget low.

Cell Phone Accessories ? The costs add up!
When something shows up on the market, you want it?now! In the marketing world, you are known as an "Early Adopter" and Early Adopters always pay more. Communications companies love you! You are ultimately their test market to find out what consumers are willing to pay for the newest features and latest gadgets available as cell phone accessories. There are numerous pages on the World Wide Web of cell phone accessories. Numerous pages; so where to look? Start with Verizon or T-Mobile as they provide stylish phones free of charge. These cell phones come with many accessories included in the start up cost. If economy is an issue with you, stick with the basics. You will only need to buy the following items:

* Handsfree Car Headset
* Battery Charger

It isn't a very sexy list but if economy is important to you then that is really all you need. BUT if economy isn't number one on your list of what to look for in a cell phone, read on.

2. The Latest And Greatest ? Can You Say "E A R L Y A D O P T E R?"

If you want the latest in technology, be prepared to pay for it. A minimum of $200.00 will buy only the most basic of cell phones. In the case of pricing for cell phones and cell phone accessories the sky truly is the limit. Nokia, Motorola, LG, Ericsson and Kyocera provide an established name in cell phone technology and they also provide cutting edge features in their repertoire of cell phone offerings. Check out their web sites for the latest and greatest in cell phone offerings.

3. Style ? Looking Good For A Price

Many companies include face plates as a catchy cell phone accessory. You can wear your heart or your favorite sports team on your sleeve. Motorola, for example carries a cell phone face plate that features a major league hockey team. You can even pick up a purse to carry your cell phone to the most elegant occasions. Check out these "must have" little numbers on the Motorola site or one of the many other sites on the internet selling these aftermarket accessories. If you love color and need to match your cell phone to your Mercedes that is possible too!

Would you like something a little different? A cell mate is the thing to have. This cell phone accessory allows you to dress your cell phone. This item was adopted by Ashley Judd who is reported to have many different plush covers for her cell phones. These items are available from a limited number of cell phone companies and other manufacturers. Type your brand of cellphone and "cell mate" into your favorite search engine to find a unique cover for your cell phone.

4. Reliability ? When You Need Your Cell Phone To Be Dependable

One of the most important features when looking for a cell phone is dependable service. There is no point in having a cell phone and the most up to date cell phone accessories if the phone is not reliable. Some cell phone companies advertise that they provide the best cell phone service but unfortunately this isn't always true. Ensure that you deal with experienced cell phone service providers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

5. Rate Plan Flexibility

Phone plans ? finding what's right for you.
Family plans, call home plans, free included cell phones and prepaid cell phones! There's a multitude of choices but what is right for you? Your lifestyle will indicate what type of phone plan you need. If your cell phone is your main source of communication and half your life is spent on your cell, you need a plan that will guarantee you the most air time for the least amount of money. If you have children and want to give them the opportunity to have a cell phone but want to control the amount of time they use it , a family plan may be the right choice for you. Perhaps you need to call a certain phone number regularly, then a "call home" plan is the choice that serves your needs best. Do your research to find the best fit possible. Gone are the days when you had to fit the cell phone plan; today companies such as Verizon and AT&T make sure that the cell phone plans fits you.

The Choice Is Yours ? The Sky's The Limit

As you can see, there are lots to look for when shopping for a new cell phone. This article covered only a portion of the information available on the World Wide Web and in the Marketplace. I hope you found it helpful in your search for just the right cell phone company for your unique lifestyle. Keep in touch!

? 2005 http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com

About the Author
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cell phones, cell phone plans and cellular accessories. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.

A Consumers Guide to Getting a Bad Credit Loan

Here is a useful guide to getting a bad credit loan. If you're like countless others, then you may be struggling to get a bad credit loan. You may not know where to turn, or what options are available? or even what "bad credit" actually means or how it's determined. Below are tips on how to deal with bad credit, as well as how to get a bad credit loan.

What is bad credit, anyway?

Obviously, if you fall behind on payments or make all of your payments late then it's going to reflect badly upon you. New lenders aren't going to want to offer you lines of credit or financing for purchases, and will instead try to make you pay up front for everything that you buy. This is the scourge of bad credit? which means that your past late payments or non-payments have been reported to a credit agency, and they have lowered your credit score as a result. The lower your credit score is, the more of a risk lenders view you as? which is why it's so hard to get new credit lines once your credit is bad. Unfortunately, this also can make it much more difficult to improve your credit rating? after all, if you can't get credit then how can you show that you're much better with payments these days?

Getting a bad credit loan

Luckily, there are lenders that will give you a bad credit loan. Often there is some sort of collateral required (meaning that the loan is of an equal or lesser value to something that you own, and if you default on the loan then the lender has a legal right to repossess the item and sell it), and higher interest rates are usually associated with the loan as well (meaning that you have to pay back more in interest than you would with a loan that has lower interest rates.)

While most lenders tend to shy away from those with bad credit, there are some that make a business of making bad credit loans (also known in some places as "second chance" loans.) As mentioned previously, interest rates are usually higher and the penalties for late payment are more strict, but provided your income level is high enough or you have appropriate collateral (such as a car title or property that you completely own) they are willing to take a chance that many other lenders refuse to take.

Where to find lenders for bad credit loans

When searching for a lender for a bad credit loan, you might first check for advertisements in various newspapers, tabloids, and circulars. Many lenders will advertise there from time to time, and will often indicate in the ad that they welcome those with bad credit. You may also wish to make a few calls to finance companies and other lending institutions, and simply ask whether they offer loans to those with bad credit. An internet search will also yield a large number of lenders who will give you a bad credit loan.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.